90 BIDING AXD TRAINIifG SADDLE-HORSES. 



and hand, so that jou can send it in either direction — 

 throw it backward by the use of the hand, causing the 

 horse instinctively to step in that direction, to prevent 

 falling, just as when you force his weight forward he 

 advances his feet to receive it. This is the secret of 

 Baucher's treatment, and its perfect mastery, accompanied 

 with practical skill, is j^erfect horsemanship. As soon 

 as the horse has taken a single step backward, loosen the 

 rein and withdraw the legs from his sides, and pet him 

 and praise him, to show that he has done what is desired, 

 which knowledge is dearer than oats to a kindly- 

 tempered horse. After a little he will take two or three 

 steps backward, and in time will move backward as 

 gracefully as forward. 



Having taugl't all you can teach of movements in a 

 direct line at a walk, repeat the lessons at a trot. You 

 will have the same difficulty as in the former case, and 

 you v/ill probably be longer in overcoming it. The faster 

 the motion, the greater the tendency of the horse to throw 

 his weight forward and to bear on the bit. Don't try to 

 draw him back by an extra pressure on the curb, but hold 

 your hand firm and touch him gently with the spurs ; 

 this will drive his hind-legs under him and take the 

 weight from the forehand. He will in time learn that 

 he can go more easily and more safely with his weight on 

 his haunches than on his shoulders, and his gait will then 

 become easy instead of hard. When he trots perfectly, 

 teach him, which will be easier, f o gallop with the same 

 collected motion. In doing this, pursue the same routine 

 that has been laid down for the walk and the trot ; that 

 is, do not allow the horse for a moment to carry his head 



